How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need? Understanding Your Dog’s Sleep Needs
Is your dog sleeping more than usual? Learn how much sleep dogs need by age and breed and when changes in a dog's sleep schedule may signal a problem. Learn more!
Sleep is essential for your dog’s physical health, brain function and overall well-being. But if you’re worried about your older dog sleeping more or whether it is normal for dogs to sleep a lot, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding what is typical or normal for your dog can help you feel confident about your dog’s health and also recognize when something may be out of the ordinary. So if you’re wondering, “How many hours a day do dogs sleep?” or “Does my dog sleep too much?,” keep reading to find out.
Research into sleep patterns in dogs is still evolving, and scientists are increasingly interested in what canine sleep can teach us about human health. Since dogs share our environments and seem to develop similar age-related and neurologic conditions to us humans, scientists are curious about the insights that can come from this particular research.
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need? Understanding the Averages
Many pet owners wonder if it is normal for their dog to sleep up to 20 hours a day. Sleep patterns in dogs can vary quite a bit, but research gives us a helpful baseline for what is considered average. Think of this average as a starting point, not a rule. Every dog has a unique sleep profile, and the real value comes from understanding what is normal sleep for your dog and how to support it.
So, how many hours of sleep do dogs need? On average, dogs sleep about 10 hours per day is estimated at roughly 10 hours per day based on current research, though this can vary depending on how sleep is measured.(1) However, normal ranges are wide, with many dogs sleeping anywhere from around 7 to 16 hours daily depending on their age, lifestyle and environment.
Dogs have adapted to living alongside people and often follow a pattern of more daytime activity and nighttime sleep that aligns with their owners. Even so, their internal clocks are less rigid. This is why your dog may nap several times throughout the day, wake up easily and then settle back to sleep without difficulty.
Factors That Influence Dog Sleep Needs
To better understand your dog’s sleep habits, it helps to look at the factors that influence them. Some common key factors include:
Age and breed
Daily routine
Health conditions
Environment
Age and Breed
Sleep needs do change over time and vary across life stages. Puppies typically sleep more overall, especially during the day, when compared to dogs in other life stages. In one study evaluating sleep in young dogs, 16-week-old puppies were reported to sleep about 11 hours over a 24-hour period, including approximately 7 hours of sleep at night.(2) Some puppies may sleep longer.
As dogs become seniors, sleep increases again, but this is usually because of more frequent naps rather than longer periods of rest. However, middle-aged and senior dogs have been shown to sleep at least 30 minutes longer at night compared to younger adults.(3)
How long can dogs sleep? See the following table to get a sense of a general dog sleep schedule for different life stages.
Table 1. Average Normal Sleep Hours for Dogs(2,3)
Life Stage
Total Sleep (24 hours)
What It Looks Like
Newborn
~22–23 hours
Newborn puppies (0–2 weeks) spend nearly all of their time sleeping. By 5–6 weeks, puppies begin to explore and sleep duration gradually decreases.
Puppy
~11–14 hours
More daytime sleep, shorter nighttime sleep for younger puppies; total sleep and daytime sleep decreases as they get older.
Adult
~7–12 hours
More consistent routine; sleep is spread out between naps and nighttime rest.
Senior
~10–16 hours
More frequent naps during the day and slightly longer sleep at night.
Breed can also play an important role in your dog’s sleep patterns:
High-energy breeds, such as herding or working dogs, may spend more time awake and alert during the day and rest for shorter periods.
Giant breeds often sleep more overall and may require longer periods of rest to support growth and joint health. Though the specific relationship between sleep and joint health in these breeds is not fully understood.
Brachycephalic breeds, like Bulldogs or Pugs, may have disrupted or noisier sleep due to underlying respiratory challenges, which can affect sleep quality.
When you’re considering how many hours should a dog sleep or do older dogs sleep more, it is also important to keep in mind that life stage timing can vary between breeds, and research on breed-specific sleep patterns is still emerging.
Daily Routine
Other questions you might be curious about are “How long do dogs sleep each day?” and “How long do dogs sleep at night?” Your dog’s activity level, their feeding schedule and your household routine all influence sleep. For example:
Dogs that are more active during the day often have more defined periods of rest, while dogs with lower activity levels may nap more frequently.
Dogs fed twice daily may go to sleep earlier at night, wake up earlier in the morning and take fewer (but longer) naps during the day than dogs fed once daily, according to one study.(3) This may be related to the timing of energy intake and satiety signals that influence rest patterns.
Working dogs have been shown to maintain flexible sleep-wake cycles and adapt to varying schedules, likely because of their ability to rest in shorter, more frequent bouts.(4)
Health Conditions
If you have an old dog that sleeps all day, that may be cause for concern. Underlying health conditions can affect how much your dog sleeps (including whether your dog is sleeping more than usual or your dog is sleeping too much) and how well they sleep. In some cases, changes in sleep may be one of the first signs that something is different.
Health conditions that often affect sleep include:
Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). A progressive, age-related condition that affects brain function and behavior. It can lead to nighttime restlessness, decreased daytime activity and changes in social interactions.
Osteoarthritis (OA). Causes chronic discomfort that disrupts sleep and reduces dogs’ activity. Studies have shown that dogs with untreated OA are less active(5) and have poorer sleep and that appropriate pain management can improve nighttime rest.(6)
Hypothyroidism. This endocrine disorder can result in lethargy, reduced activity, and weight gain, all of which may influence sleep patterns.(7)
Obesity/body condition. Overweight dogs may be more sedentary and have disrupted sleep from things like sleep-disordered breathing, reduced mobility, etc.
Canine epilepsy. A neurologic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A study of 128 dogs found that dogs with epilepsy had poorer sleep quality than healthy dogs, and many owners reported changes in sleep following seizure events.(8)
Other health conditions can also affect your dog’s sleep. For example, breathing difficulties in brachycephalic breeds, as well as conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or urinary tract infections (UTIs), may disrupt normal sleep patterns. In addition, some medications can cause drowsiness or alter sleep cycles.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s sleep, make sure you discuss them with your veterinarian.
Environment
Your dog’s environment plays a significant role in sleep quality. Factors such as location, noise levels, multi-pet households (e.g. social facilitation or disruption of sleep), seasonal changes (e.g. light/dark cycles), recent household changes (e.g. moving, new baby, new pet), and social interactions all contribute to how well your dog rests.
Overall, a stable and comfortable environment supports better sleep, while stress, changes in routine or unfamiliar surroundings can disrupt normal patterns.
Assessing Your Dog’s Sleep: What to Look For
The question of “How much sleep do dogs need?” really comes down to the individual dog. While variation is normal, paying attention to sleep patterns over time can help you recognize what is typical for your dog.
Look for changes in:
How long your dog sleeps during the day and night
How easily they settle and wake up
Activity levels and energy during waking hours
Behavior, including interaction with family members
Tracking these patterns can be helpful:
Your veterinarian may recommend keeping a sleep or activity journal at home to monitor when your dog sleeps, wakes, eats and is active.
In some cases, using activity monitoring tools, such as wearable trackers like the Petivity® Smart GPS + Activity Tracker for Dogs or home cameras, can provide additional insight into rest patterns and nighttime behavior.
Questionnaires or structured assessments may also be used to evaluate changes in behavior, cognition and sleep over time.
Recognizing Sleep Problems: When to Be Concerned
If you’ve started wondering “Should dogs sleep all day?” or if your dog’s sleeping habits change suddenly or seem unusual, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Because sleep is closely tied to overall health, changes such as increased nighttime restlessness, excessive daytime sleep or difficulty settling, can be early indicators that something is not quite right.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
Sudden changes in sleep patterns
Increased nighttime pacing or restlessness
Excessive daytime sleep or decreased activity
Changes in behavior, appetite or interaction with family members
These changes may be subtle at first, but early evaluation can help identify issues before they progress.
When It Is an Emergency
Seek immediate veterinary care if you can’t wake your dog or your dog doesn’t respond normally when you try to wake them. This is not normal sleep and may indicate a serious medical condition requiring urgent attention.
Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Creating a comfortable sleep space can help improve both the quality and consistency of your dog’s rest. Here are key factors to consider:
Provide a comfortable sleeping area. Choose a bed or resting space that allows your dog to stretch out fully. For senior dogs or those with joint issues, supportive or orthopedic bedding can improve comfort.
Keep the environment calm and quiet. Place your dog’s sleeping area away from high traffic or noisy areas of the home, especially at night. A quieter space helps reduce sleep disruptions.
Manage lighting and temperature. A dim or low light environment supports restful sleep. Make sure your dog is comfortable, not too hot or too cold, and adjust bedding or room conditions as needed.
Create a sense of security. Some dogs sleep best near their owners, while others prefer a crate or enclosed space. Choose a setup that helps your dog feel safe and relaxed.
Maintain a consistent routine. Regular feeding times, exercise and bedtime routines help signal when it is time to rest and support more predictable sleep patterns.
Meet nighttime needs. Ensure your dog has had a chance to go outside, exercise and settle before bedtime. Puppies, senior dogs and those with certain medical conditions may need more frequent overnight breaks.
Small adjustments to your dog’s environment and routine can make a meaningful difference in how well they rest.
Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions
If concerns about your dog’s sleep arise, your veterinarian will begin with a detailed history, including questions about sleep patterns, daily routine, activity level and any recent changes at home. They may also ask about diet, medications and behavior and will perform a physical exam.
Because many conditions can affect sleep, your veterinarian may recommend testing to help identify or rule out underlying causes, which may include:
Bloodwork and urinalysis
Imaging, such as x-rays
Neurologic assessment
Treatment will depend on the underlying condition identified. In many cases, addressing the root cause may significantly improve sleep quality.
In some cases, adjustments to your dog’s daily routine, environment or medications may also be recommended to support better sleep.
Working With Your Veterinarian
Sleep changes are often one piece of a larger picture. Partnering with your veterinarian allows for a comprehensive approach to your dog’s health, ensuring that both medical and lifestyle factors are addressed. Early recognition and treatment of underlying conditions can make a meaningful difference in your dog’s comfort, behavior and overall quality of life.
Want to be more proactive about your dog’s health and well-being? Explore our blog for expert advice and insights that can help you stay one step ahead of potential health concerns.
References
(1) Bódizs R, Kis A, Gácsi M, et al. Sleep in the dog: comparative, behavioral and translational relevance. Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2020;33:25-33. doi:10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.12.006
(2) Kinsman R, Owczarczak-Garstecka S, Casey R, et al. Sleep duration and behaviours: a descriptive analysis of a cohort of dogs up to 12 months of age. Animals (Basel). 2020;10(7):1172. doi:10.3390/ani10071172
(3) Zanghi BM, Kerr W, Gierer J, et al. Characterizing behavioral sleep using actigraphy in adult dogs of various ages fed once or twice daily. J Vet Behav. 2013;8(4):195-203. doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2012.10.007
(4) Adams GJ, Johnson KG. Sleep, work, and the effects of shift work in drug detector dogs Canis familiaris. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 1994;41(1-2):115-126. doi:10.1016/0168-1591(94)90056-6
(5) Brown DC, Boston RC, Farrar JT. Use of an activity monitor to detect response to treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2010;237(1):66-70. doi:10.2460/javma.237.1.66
(6) Gruen ME, Samson DR, Lascelles BDX. Functional linear modeling of activity data shows analgesic-mediated improved sleep in dogs with spontaneous osteoarthritis pain. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):14192. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-50623-0
(7) Scott-Moncrieff JC. Clinical signs and concurrent diseases of hypothyroidism in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2007;37(4):709-722. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2007.03.003
(8) Mondino A, Nettifee J, Muñana KR. An exploratory study on the relationship between idiopathic epilepsy and sleep in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2025;39(2):e70026. doi:10.1111/jvim.70026
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